🛖 In ancient times: The use of leeches for medical purposes was already practiced in the earliest civilizations. The earliest recorded evidence of Hirudotherapy comes from ancient Egypt around 1500 BC. Egyptian medical texts mention the use of leeches to treat various diseases, including skin diseases, eye disorders, and infections.

🏛 Ancient Greece and Rome: Hirudotherapy became very popular in ancient Greece and Rome. The Greek physician Hippocrates, considered one of the fathers of medicine, wrote about the therapeutic use of leeches. He believed that leeches could help balance the body's humors (bodily fluids) and improve health.

🏰 Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, the use of leeches in medicine continued to thrive. Leeches were commonly used to treat various conditions, including fevers, skin infections, and even mental illnesses. Their popularity continued into the Renaissance period.

🗼 18th and 19th centuries: The 18th and 19th centuries saw an increase in the use of leeches for medical purposes. Hirudotherapy was widely practiced, especially in Europe. The French physician François-Joseph-Victor Broussais popularized the use of leeches for phlebotomy, a common medical practice of the time aimed at regulating the flow of bodily fluids.

✅️ Decline and resurgence: With the advent of modern medicine and the development of new treatments, this practice declined in the early 20th century. However, in recent decades, renewed interest has brought this practice back into the spotlight. Scientific advances in understanding the bioactive molecules present in leech saliva and their therapeutic effects have led to renewed attention to the potential benefits of Hirudotherapy.

🏩 Today, Hirudotherapy is practiced by qualified professionals in various therapeutic medical fields, including dermatology, plastic surgery, and vascular medicine. The application of leeches for therapeutic purposes is generally performed in controlled and sterile conditions to ensure safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes.